With the second generation of MINI Cooper S, the BMW-owned company took an already hilarious formula and made it even more entertaining.

The 2008-2017 model was a massive hit, with fabulous handling and terrific performance, along with a boldness of character that was only matched by the sense of wellbeing exuded by its BMW-designed cabin.

It also came with a new engine – a 1.6-litre turbo unit replacing the original Chrysler-derived supercharged unit and offering better power and more simplicity.

If the standard Cooper S wasn’t enough, though, you could opt for the John Cooper Works (JCW) package. By 2008, BMW had taken JCW in-house, creating a performance sub-brand. M-Sport for MINI, if you will.

That mean that if you ticked the JCW box on the options list you got a rather sumptuous specification, in addition to which you also got smart JCW alloy wheels and racy bodykit with a rear diffuser.

But the best bit was under the bonnet, where the 1.6-litre turbo engine was tweaked to develop a sensational 208bhp. 0-60mph in six seconds, a chattery turbo whistle on the overrun and a performance exhaust system made it a giggling delight to drive – a well-honed performance car on the one hand, a truly cheeky one on the other.
 
The vendor of this example has had a lot of fun with it since acquiring it from his father, but unfortunately the MINI has blotted its copybook and is being sold here as a project car – it starts and runs for loading, but the head gasket has failed and it needs fixing up. It’s currently at a MINI specialist in Cambridge, which is happy to do the work for the new owner, or you can buy it as it is and fix it up yourself – and if you do, there’s money to be made as it’s a smart and tidy example with sensible miles, which with the mechanical repairs and some minor cosmetic titivation has loads of retail potential. It could be an absolute bargain…
 

 

BEFORE YOU BUY 

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✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 

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